How to Refer a Student

Assisting Emotionally Distressed Students

The University has established the below procedures to assist any student who may be emotionally distressed and pose a threat to him/herself or others.

A member of the University community should report a student of concern by contacting the NSU Counseling Center (757-823-8173) or NSU Police Department (757-823-9000). NSU Police should be notified if a student of concern is disruptive, has placed other members of the University community in immediate danger, and/or threatens to harm him/herself or others.

NSU Police will assess the situation and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of the student and others.

If misconduct is reported resulting in a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, NSU Police will refer the student to the Dean of Students Office.

If the student requires immediate medical attention, they will be transported by ambulance to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (SNGH) and the NSU Police will notify the Counseling Center of incident

If the student of concern is not determined to require medical attention, he or she will be assessed by the NSU Counseling Center to determine if he/she is a threat of harm to him/herself or others.

If after evaluation the student does not meet criteria for further evaluation at SNGH, the student will be offered additional services at the Counseling Center.

If further evaluation is recommended by the Counseling Center, the student will be referred to SNGH and transported by NSU Police.

If the student lives on or off campus the NSU Police will notify the Dean of Students.

The Dean of Students will notify the student on instructions for returning to campus to receive appropriate academic support.

If the student lives on campus NSU Police will notify the Executive Director of Housing and Residence Life.

If the student refuses further evaluation or lacks capacity (is not capable) of making an informed decision, The NSU Police will implement an Emergency Custody Order (ECO) and transport the student to be further evaluated at SNGH or at a Crisis Intervention Team Site (CIT) by the Norfolk Community Services Board (NCSB).

If the NCSB determines the student is not a threat of harm to him/herself, he/she will be provided with follow-up treatment recommendations. (Follow instructions in #7a:During Regular Business Hours or #7b: After Business Hours, whichever procedure is applicable.

If the NCSB determines a student should be hospitalized, he/she may be voluntarily admitted (if he/she is capable of making such decision). If the student refuses to be admitted or lacks capacity (is not capable) of making an informed decision to be admitted, a Temporary Detention Order (TDO) will be pursued by the NCSB.

During regular business hours:After Business hours:

A student returning from hospitalization or after receiving evaluation by the medical doctor, psychiatrist, certified pre-screener, or licensed/qualified mental health professional must report to the NSU Police Department.

The student must provide their discharge summary recommendations from the medical doctor, psychiatrist, certified pre-screener, or licensed/qualified mental health professional.

The NSU Police will notify the Counseling Center and the Dean of Students office that the student has returned to campus with the required documentation.

NSU police will inform the student that he/she must meet with the Dean of Students to coordinate notification of missed classes to the student’s instructors.

The Dean of Students will notify the Office of Housing & Residence Life that the student can return to his/her residence hall.

A student returning from hospitalization or after receiving evaluation by the NCSB must report to the NSU Police Department.

The student must provide their discharge summary recommendations from a licensed/qualified mental health professional or psychiatrist to the NSU Police.

The NSU Police will notify the front desk of residence hall or Executive Director of Housing and Residence Life where the student resides, that the student is authorized to return to campus and the residence hall.

The NSU Police will notify NSU Counseling Center and the Dean of Students office the next business day that the student has returned to campus with the required documentation.

NSU police will inform the student they must provide their discharge summary/treatment recommendations to the Dean of Students the next day for a follow-up meeting and to coordinate notification of missed classes to the student’s instructors.

The Dean of Students will coordinate a meeting to enforce all recommendations both treatment and or behavior. The Dean of Students will place a hold on a student’s record until this meeting has occurred. If a student fails to adhere to the recommendations, he/she will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.